Disconnect to Reconnect: Self-Care Sunday

It’s here. March Break. To my teaching and school leader friends, congratulations! You have a full week off! How are you spending it? Are you traveling? Staying home? However you are spending this time, I hope you take time to rest and to recharge.

We all need a break sometimes. And as the pace of life continues to accelerate, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking a break from work to connect with others, catch up on sleep, and finish small tasks that have been piling up. Whether it’s a stay-cation or a full-blown vacation, taking time away from work is crucial for our mental health and overall well-being. I am not traveling this year, but I am looking forward to having a productive stay-cation complete with some fun activities mixed with total down-time and some productive yet small DIY projects I have been putting off. Having this time is essential for our health.

Let’s start with the obvious: taking time off work means more time to spend with loved ones. We all have busy schedules, and it can be tough to find quality time to spend with family and friends. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with an old friend or spending time with your partner, a stay-cation provides a perfect opportunity to reconnect with those who matter most. I am looking forward to going to an escape room with my kids and taking in a basketball game. And hopefully take some time to just get out and catch up with a friend or two. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but taking a break can remind us of what’s truly important.

Of course, no stay-cation would be complete without catching up on some much-needed rest. It’s amazing how much sleep we can lose when we’re caught up in the stress of work and other responsibilities. A stay-cation gives us the chance to reset our internal clocks and catch up on some much-needed Z’s. We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep, and a stay-cation can help us achieve that. The timing of this break is great for catching up on sleep as the clocks changed last night and while we are happy about spring, our bodies do not enjoy losing that hour of rest.

But a stay-cation is also an excellent opportunity to tackle those small tasks that have been nagging us for weeks or even months. You know the ones – that pile of laundry in the corner, the closet that needs organizing, or the bills that need to be paid. These little things may seem insignificant, but they can add up and cause stress if left unchecked. A stay-cation provides the perfect opportunity to get them done and give ourselves a sense of accomplishment. In my house, I have a bunch of little projects I have wanted to get to, or big projects that have just those finishing touches to do…grout the tile, put the transition strip down on the floor, stain the shelves, change out some light fixtures. Getting these little projects done will help me return to work and the busyness of life knowing that things at home are completed.

One of the best things about a stay-cation is that it can be whatever you want it to be. Maybe you want to spend the entire week binge-watching your favourite TV shows (we once spent an entire March Break, pre-kids, binge watching every season of Big Bang Theory) or reading that book (or four) that’s been sitting on your shelf for months. Or perhaps you want to explore your city and try new restaurants or attractions that you haven’t had time for in your busy schedule. The point is, a stay-cation can be customized to your interests and needs, making it the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries in a way that works best for you.

Of course, it’s important to note that a stay-cation doesn’t have to be entirely focused on relaxation and self-care. It can also be a chance to be productive in other areas of our lives. For example, you might use the time to take an online course, learn a new skill, or start a new project. A stay-cation can provide the perfect environment to focus on personal growth and development without the usual distractions of work and other responsibilities.

So, how can you make the most of your stay-cation? Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Set realistic expectations: A stay-cation is not the same as a vacation, so it’s essential to set realistic expectations for yourself. You don’t have to do everything you’ve been putting off, and you don’t have to be productive every second of the day. Remember to take breaks and enjoy the downtime. After all, the point of having this time is to rest and to recharge.
   
2. Make a plan: While you don’t have to stick to a strict schedule, it’s a good idea to make a loose plan for your stay-cation. Decide what you want to accomplish and how you want to spend your time, and then go from there. But be flexible. If you planned to fix that light switch but a friend calls, you can change your plans. Relationships matter and the light switch will be there when you get back.
   
3. Disconnect from work: It’s essential to disconnect from work during your stay-cation. Turn off your email notifications, set your out-of-office message, and resist the urge to check in with work while you’re off. This is your time to recharge and focus on yourself, so don’t let work distractions get in the way.

4. Connect with others: Use your stay-cation as an opportunity to connect with loved ones. Schedule coffee dates, dinners, or outings with friends or family members. Spending time with others can be a great way to relax and recharge, and it can also help you build and strengthen relationships.
   
5. Prioritize self-care: Make sure to prioritize self-care during your stay-cation. This might mean getting a massage or facial, taking a yoga class, or simply indulging in your favourite hobbies. Whatever helps you relax and recharge, make sure to prioritize it during your time off.
   
6. Be open to new experiences: A stay-cation is an opportunity to try new things, whether it’s exploring your city, trying new restaurants, or picking up a new hobby. Be open to new experiences and try something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the time for.
   
7. Remember to have fun: Finally, remember to have fun! A stay-cation is an opportunity to relax and enjoy yourself, so don’t forget to let loose and have a good time. Whether it’s laughing with friends or trying something new, make sure to enjoy your time off work.

Taking time away from work to connect with others, catch up on sleep, and finish small tasks is essential for our mental health and overall well-being. Whether it’s a stay-cation or a full-blown vacation, it’s important to prioritize time for ourselves and remember what’s truly important in life. So, the next time you have some time off work, consider taking a stay-cation and making the most of your time away. Who knows – you might just come back feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated than ever before.